Gallery explores healing, inspiration, transformation

The University of Rhode Island Feinstein campus in Providence, in partnership with the Urban Arts & Culture Program, hosted an Art and Healing, Art and Health Exhibit. The exhibit, which is free and open to the public, will run until Dec. 8 in the Lobby Gallery on both the first and second floor.

The exhibit is described as a “multimedia exhibit of healing artists… representing the use of art in health: healing, inspiring, transforming and overcoming illnesses. Whether the art is literal or not, any artwork in any form that takes the artist or the viewer from a place of pain or illness (physical or emotional) – can be an instrumental healing modality.”

Many different pieces of art are on display. Accompanying the unique pieces are descriptions of the creations, where the artists have the opportunity to express themselves with words in addition to their art. Some spoke of their art being inspired by a personal tragedy, and how art has helped them on their journeys to heal. Some pieces are listed as for sale.

The art on display was a combination of many different types of artists and healing artists: art students, fine artists, art therapists, and rehabilitative artists and clients. The themes within the art included poverty, autism, peace, transformation, freedom, happiness, breast cancer awareness, escapism and nature.

Different mediums of art are being showcased, including paintings, booklets, drawings and mixed media. All pieces are unique, deeply personal and beautiful.

Information at the exhibit explained that Art & Health is “a diverse, multidisciplinary field dedicated to transforming health and healing by connecting people with the arts at key moments in their lives. This field integrates literary, performing, and visual arts and design into a variety of healthcare and community settings for therapeutic, educational and expressive purposes.”

Tomorrow will be the last day to observe the displays. The exhibit will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p. m. today and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday.